Indian Seafarer Killed in Attack on MSV Al Jusufi off Oman Coast
An Indian seafarer died and 13 other crew members were rescued after a commercial cargo vessel was struck near the coast of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs stated on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, that the attack targeted a commercial vessel navigating near Limah on Monday evening.
The vessel involved in the maritime incident was identified as the India-flagged support ship MSV AL JUSUFI, which was carrying 14 Indian seafarers. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal explained that the ship was struck by an unidentified aerial object while transiting coastal waters.
Casualty Identification and Search Operations
Authorities identified the deceased seafarer as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Gujarat who succumbed to injuries sustained during the strike. Following the impact, the remaining 13 crew members safely evacuated the stricken vessel and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
All 14 crew members abandoned the vessel in a liferaft following the projectile strike, and Gandhar Nahim Ajij died while being transported to a hospital at Khasab Port in Oman, according to Hindustan Times.
Sonowal expressed sorrow over the death and extended condolences to the seafarer's family on social media. The minister noted that shipping officials and Indian diplomats are liaising directly with regional authorities to deliver essential aid to the survivors.
Diplomatic officials in Muscat are actively coordinating with Omani authorities to arrange the swift repatriation of the 13 survivors. The Indian Embassy in Oman said diplomatic personnel are closely monitoring the situation on the ground while assisting the affected seafarers. The embassy is also facilitating procedures to return the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national to his family in Gujarat.
Diplomatic Demands for Maritime Security
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the assault on the commercial craft off Oman's coastline. The ministry expressed concern regarding repeated strikes directed against merchant shipping operating in regional sea lanes.
The Indian foreign ministry declared that targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure across the region must end immediately. It stressed that unrestricted navigation and maritime commerce through international waterways must be restored in full accordance with international law.
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Resolution
The maritime assault comes amid heightened unrest affecting commercial transit corridors across the Middle East. This incident follows a series of recurring strikes on merchant vessels travelling through transit routes near the Strait of Hormuz. At least 22 Indian nationals have been killed in attacks on ships operating in the region.
Under Operation Sankalp, Indian Navy warships actively monitor India-bound cargo vessels and provide escort protection to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Economic Times.
The Indian Navy-hosted Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region recorded at least six shipping-related incidents east of the Strait of Hormuz in 2026 as threat activity expanded into the Gulf of Oman.
New Delhi called for a de-escalation of tensions across West Asian maritime routes and urged the conclusion of ongoing negotiations to secure a peaceful solution. Indian maritime authorities continue to track regional security developments to safeguard commercial mariners operating in international waters.